Question 1112608
.
Michael is 3 more than twice John’s age. In 3 years Michael will be 3 years older than John. What is age of both boys
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


I interpret your condition as


<pre>
    Michael {{{highlight(age)}}} is 3 {{{highlight(years)}}} more than twice John’s age. In 3 years Michael will be 3 years older than John. What is age of both boys
</pre>

<U>Solution</U>


<pre>
If in 3 years M will be 3 years older than J, it means (at least, in frame of this problem) that M is ALWAYS 3 years older than J:


M = J + 3


So, what you have from the condition now, is THIS:


M = 2J + 3,   or

J+3 = 2J + 3  ====>  J = 2J  ====>  J = 0.
</pre>

Since the answer  J = 0  in age problems is equivalent to NONSENSE, the problem DOES NOT MAKE SENSE.


-----------


The different interpretation of the condition is also possible:


<pre>
     Michael age is <U>5 times</U> John’s age. In 3 years Michael will be 3 years older than John. What is age of both boys.
</pre>

reading  "3 more than twice"  as  "5 times".


But such interpretation is mocking a reader, therefore, I don't want to continue from this point . . .